Writing a Strong Introduction

Mrs. BurnCherokee High School English

Interest the reader and make a

convincing argument for your point of view.

You can do this by: Grabbing the reader’s attention. Stating your thesis clearly and

concisely. Providing necessary background

information. Establishing an appropriate tone

and level of formality for the essay.

Goals in Writing and Introduction

A right or wrong way to write an

introduction does not exist. As long as you have met the four criteria you can be creative on how you construct your introduction., however, pay close attention to the fourth criterion of formality and chose your words carefully.

Six Strategies for Writing an Effective

Introduction

Begin with a shocking statement. An essay

written on global warming which focuses on polar bears might begin with these statements: In 50 years, polar bears will no longer roam

this planet. Humans are standing by and watching polar

bears die everyday, soon the polar bear will only a mere story that is told in books, not unlike the dinosaur.

Strategy #1

Quote an authority on the subject. For an essay on why Shakespeare’s

tragedies are still being taught today, you might include: “Shakespeare’s plays and sonnets

helped shape the structure and grammar of the English language. By improving the English language and giving us all these new words and phrases, Shakespeare laid the groundwork for other authors and poets to express themselves. ” stated Flaten, an expert on Shakespeare and the influence on the English language today.

Strategy #2

Use an imaginary scenario. On an essay about dissolving all

public schools for all online programs the following phrase could be found:

Imagine a world without hallways, lockers, athletics, and friends, a world without drama, class discussions and speaking to teachers face to face.

Be careful to create a believable situation.

Strategy #3

Begin with an anecdote. An essay on starving children in the

United States could include the following:

Missionary workers throughout the country report more children are dying of starvation than ever before. Workers speak with hearts heavy about more and more children in tattered clothing and skeletal bodies begging for food on street corners each and every day.

Strategy #4

Set the scene with interesting background

information. Students today cannot imagine separate

bathrooms, theaters, churches, and schools for people of different races, but the fact remains that sixty years ago our country was racially divided.

This opening statement introduces the general subject of racial division, but quickly brings it to the local level to make the subject is grasped by the casual reader.

Strategy #5

Adapt a familiar quotation or phrase

to your subject matter: To be concerned about obesity in

America or not: that is the question facing every American person today.

This twist on Hamlet’s famous speech about moral choices he face is a dramatic use of a famous quotation.

Strategy #6

Remember using all of these

strategies is overkill. Choose only one.

Overkill

The underground railroad transported

hundreds of slaves to freedom. Blueberry pie, the laundry needs

hung on the line, or I know, no strangers are all phrases used by keepers of the underground railroad.

The underground railroad took place during the 19th century.

Which Opening Sentence is Stronger?

Take me out to the ballgame, take me out to

the park, all most all Americans can finish this song without much thought or effort; baseball is favorite American pastime to millions all over the United States.

Baseball is watched by millions every year. “Strike! Your out!” can be heard ringing

throughout parks all over America during the hot summer months.

Which Opening Sentence is Stronger?

The internet is turning all students

into zombies. The controversy surrounding the

effects of the internet on its users continues to be a hot topic among research scientists.

Fifteen years ago the phrases: online, www., website, Google, Yahoo, and Wikipedia were unheard of, today they are a part of everyday existence.

Which Opening Sentence is Stronger

Go back to the beginning, try

brainstorming or making an outline.

Concentrate! Unplug your iPod, turn off the TV and the PHONE and pay attention to the task at hand.

Reference: http://www.education.com/study-help/article/writing-strong-introduction/?page=2

What to Do if You’re Totally Stuck